A Guide to Using Prescription Ointment for Psoriasis at a Dermatology Clinic

Psoriasis, among skin conditions, is a chronic disease with systemic characteristics that cannot be fully explained by changes that appear only on the surface of the skin.

Typically, symptoms such as persistent itching, red rashes, and thick silver-white scales accumulating on the skin surface may be observed.

Patients often mistake these symptoms for simple skin trouble or dry skin, but in fact, psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease related to immune system abnormalities, and it can worsen and improve repeatedly over time.

The problem is that the effects of this disease are not limited to the skin alone.

When the affected area is scratched, the scales can easily come off and bleeding may occur; in severe cases, the lesions can spread rapidly, causing serious visible changes.

In addition, psoriasis can be accompanied by reduced confidence due to changes in appearance, withdrawal from social relationships, and psychological stress.

Furthermore, psoriasis is characterized by the possibility of being linked not only to a skin condition but also to systemic abnormalities such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

That is why it is important not to take psoriasis lightly and to actively plan treatment.

Today, I would like to take the time to discuss psoriasis in detail at a dermatology clinic.

-Outline of the dermatology clinic column-

1. Causes of psoriasis

2. Psoriasis ointment treatment

3. Precautions for using psoriasis ointment

Psoriasis occurs due to a combination of factors.

When people hear psoriasis, many think of it simply as a disease that causes a lot of flaking on the skin.

However, psoriasis is not just a problem caused by dry skin.

Behind it are far more complex causes than one might expect.

The first important factor is an abnormal immune response.

Our immune cells are originally responsible for blocking invaders such as bacteria and viruses, but in patients with psoriasis, these immune cells become misdirected.

In other words, even when there are no external invaders, they attack skin cells as if they were the enemy.

At this time, inflammatory substances are released in large amounts, causing skin cells to proliferate abnormally quickly, and as a result, the skin cell turnover cycle speeds up to about 3 to 5 days.

This is what causes thick scales to build up across the skin.

The second factor is environmental influences.

Stress, infections, skin trauma, and certain medications are typical examples.

These factors can disrupt the immune system and become major causes of worsening psoriasis.

The third factor to mention is lifestyle habits.

In particular, smoking and drinking are closely related to worsening psoriasis and can promote immune and inflammatory responses.

Can psoriasis also be treated with ointment?

In general, ointment treatment can be used for psoriasis.

There are several types of ointment treatment.

Among them, steroid preparations are the most widely used; steroids can help quickly calm inflammation and suppress scale formation.

The second type is vitamin D derivative ointment.

This medication inhibits the excessive proliferation of skin cells and helps prevent psoriatic lesions from thickening.

Sometimes steroid and vitamin D ointments are used together.

Above all, ointment treatment has the major advantage of having a lower risk of side effects than systemic medications and allowing localized management.

In addition, it is convenient to use because it can be easily applied at home.

Are there any precautions when using ointment treatment for psoriasis?

As with any medication, psoriasis ointment must be used in accordance with the precautions in order to expect safe improvement of the skin.

First, if steroid ointment is used carelessly for a long period of time, side effects such as skin atrophy, capillary dilation, and pigmentation changes may occur.

Therefore, the strength must be adjusted step by step according to the medical staff's prescription.

Also, applying ointment thickly does not mean the expected effect will be better, so it is important to spread it thinly and evenly so that the medication can be absorbed smoothly.

The last thing I would like to explain is consistency.

Many patients suddenly stop using the ointment once their symptoms improve, but if they do so, the symptoms may quickly return.

Therefore, even if symptoms improve, the key is to continue managing the condition with maintenance therapy.

Psoriasis is not a problem limited to the skin; it is a chronic disease connected to overall health.

Because of that, each patient's lifestyle habits, psychological state, and accompanying conditions must also be considered.

Recently, treatment options have become more diverse and medications have continued to advance, making it possible to provide much more active treatment than before.

In the past, it may have been thought of simply as an "unavoidable disease," but now it is more accurate to see it as a "disease that can be sufficiently controlled."

However, what matters most is consistent management and regular medical visits.

It is advisable not to let your guard down just because the symptoms have improved, and to continue with a treatment plan that suits you.

I hope this column from the dermatology clinic was helpful to patients with psoriasis.

Thank you for reading to the end.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1–15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry a risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, please be sure to have a thorough consultation with experienced medical professionals before making your decision. |